NCAA fines Qatar Airways N5m over consumer protection violations

By Obasola Olatunde 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined Qatar Airways N5 million for violations of consumer protection regulations, marking the seventh airline sanctioned by the authority in 2025.

The penalty, announced on Wednesday by Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, follows a series of infractions dating back to September 19, 2025, when the airline was accused of disregarding consumer rights and treating Nigerian passengers with contempt.

Achimugu stated via X (formerly Twitter): “Glad to announce that today, the NCAA has sanctioned @qatarairways to the tune of five million naira as a penalty for consumer protection-related infractions. Letters of investigation over other cases may lead to further sanctions if not addressed satisfactorily. As always, the NCAA is committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders.”

The sanction brings to seven the total number of airlines penalized this year, joining Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenya Airways. Past infractions included failure to refund passengers within stipulated timeframes, mishandling of luggage, flight delays and cancellations, and non-responsiveness to NCAA directives.

The NCAA has warned that stiff penalties will continue to be imposed on airlines that flout aviation laws, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding passenger rights and ensuring compliance across Nigeria’s aviation sector.